U.S. Proposes Fixed Admission Periods for F-1, J-1, I Visas

(UNITED STATES) The Department of Homeland Security is moving ahead with a proposal to replace the flexible “duration of status” model with fixed limits for three major visa groups in 2025, marking the most consequential shift in student, exchange visitor, and foreign journalist visa rules in decades. As of September 18, 2025, the rule is at the formal proposal stage and is not in effect. DHS opened a public comment period that runs through September 29, 2025, and any final policy would follow review and revision.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the plan would end open-ended stays tied to program compliance and instead set defined admission periods that require timely extension requests to continue studies, research, or media assignments.

What DHS proposes

Under the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), titled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,” DHS proposes:

• F-1 and J-1 admissions capped at up to four years or the program end date, whichever comes first.
• I-visa journalists to receive an initial stay of 240 days (about eight months), with extensions only for ongoing assignments.

DHS says the change would align admissions for these groups with other nonimmigrant categories that already have end dates, and add oversight to guard against status abuse.

Public comments are due by September 29, 2025. No part of the rule will take effect until DHS reviews feedback and publishes a final version.

DHS released materials outlining the proposal and timeline on August 28, 2025. The agency also flagged that, if it finalizes the rule, there will be transition provisions for people already in the United States under D/S, but details would come later.

For official background on J-1 program sponsors and record-keeping, the State Department’s exchange visitor page remains the main reference point for program roles and compliance guidance: U.S. Department of State — Exchange Visitor Program.

Key features in the NPRM

Today’s duration of status system lets F-1 and J-1 visitors stay as long as they maintain status—meaning full-time enrollment, valid forms (the Form I-20 for F-1 and the Form DS-2019 for J-1), and clean SEVIS records—without an I-94 end date forcing routine renewals. The NPRM would end that approach and switch to fixed admission periods with clear end dates and extension steps.

Other proposed features include:

• Extensions via USCIS: F-1, J-1, and I-visa holders would need to file Form I-539 for an extension before their I-94 expires. USCIS explains procedures on its official page: USCIS — Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
• Grace periods: The F-1 grace period would shrink from 60 days to 30 days after a program ends. The J-1 grace period would remain 30 days.
• Unlawful presence: If a timely extension is not filed, unlawful presence would begin immediately after I-94 expiration.
• Program limits for students:
  • F-1 undergraduates would be barred from changing program, major, or level in the first year.
  • Graduate students would not be able to change programs at all under the proposal.
  • Transfers would be limited until after completing an academic year at the initial school, unless an exception applies.
  • A bar is proposed on repeat study at the same or lower level after completing that level.
• Dependents: F-2, J-2, and I dependents would be tied to the same fixed admission and extension framework.

Universities, program sponsors, and newsroom managers are already reviewing how these fixed limits could affect planning. Campus officials warn the change could increase paperwork and raise the risk of status issues if documents are late or if government processing takes longer than expected. Journalists note that work gaps could occur if extension decisions take longer than the 240-day window, especially where premium processing is not offered.

Impact on applicants — practical implications

If finalized, the rule would change day-to-day planning more than any single visa policy move in recent memory. The proposed fixed limits turn the calendar into a central compliance tool: there’s a clear clock, but it creates pressure to file early and keep every record current.

• For F-1 students and J-1 scholars, four years may fit many bachelor’s or shorter master’s programs, but:
  • Long research timelines, combined degrees, clinical placements, and many PhD programs often run longer.
  • Doctoral students in year three would need to map exams, dissertation milestones, and funding timelines against the I-94 end date and file extensions well ahead of time.
  • J-1 postdocs on five-year grants would likely need at least one extension cycle with airtight documentation of continued funding and full-time research.
• For I-visa reporters, an eight-month clock is tight for investigative series, documentary projects, or coverage that evolves over a year or more.
  • Newsrooms would need to plan around filing windows, assignment letters, and proof the journalist remains on the same story or beat.
  • If an extension is pending and there’s no automatic work continuation, assignment leads may need contingency plans for temporary coverage gaps or remote work from outside the U.S.

The NPRM also tightens everyday procedures and practice:

1. File extensions early. USCIS must receive Form I-539 before the I-94 expires. Keep confirmation notices and consider faster options where allowed for student or exchange filings.
2. Keep SEVIS clean. Ensure I-20 or DS-2019 reflects correct program details and funding. School or sponsor officers should submit updated addresses and enrollment data on time.
3. Watch grace periods. The shorter 30-day F-1 grace period would compress wrap-up tasks, including OPT planning, if finalized in this form.
4. Track dependents. Spouses and children must have timely extension filings tied to the principal’s status.

DHS says the aim is to align these categories with other nonimmigrant visas that already have specific end dates and to strengthen oversight. Universities, professional associations, and advocacy groups argue the draft would create heavy administrative loads, risk accidental status violations, and force earlier renewals that may collide with processing timelines. Journalism groups worry about assignment continuity and the lack of optional premium processing for I-visa extensions.

The rule’s path is not set. The public comment period runs through September 29, 2025, and DHS could revise parts of the proposal before issuing a final rule. DHS has also said it will include transition provisions if it finalizes the change, which is critical for students and reporters already in the country under D/S. Those details remain pending.

Recommendations — what affected people can do now

People affected can take practical steps now without overreacting:

• Map your timeline:
  • Mark your expected I-94 end date under the proposed fixed limits—four years for F-1/J-1 and 240 days for I visas.
  • Set reminders several months in advance.
• Gather records:
  • Keep enrollment verification, funding proof, transcripts, and program letters in one place.
  • Journalists: save editor letters showing the ongoing assignment.
• Coordinate with sponsors:
  • University international offices and J-1 sponsors will be central to SEVIS updates and change requests.
  • For J-1 requirements and sponsor roles, review: U.S. Department of State — Exchange Visitor Program.
• File on time:
  • Use Form I-539 for any extension. See: USCIS — Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
• Seek legal advice:
  • If your program or assignment already runs long—or you have past status issues—consult an immigration attorney or your campus international office.

Political and historical context

A similar fixed-period rule surfaced in 2020 and was later withdrawn in 2021 under President Biden. The current proposal revives the fixed-admission idea for 2025, with DHS citing national security and oversight concerns.

DHS’s public materials—released during the current administration—outline the draft and its goals. The department page summarizing the proposed change is here: DHS — Proposed Rule on F, J, and I Admissions.

The agency will weigh feedback from universities, sponsors, media organizations, and individuals before deciding next steps.

How this could affect specific groups

• International students:
  • Moving away from duration of status requires more date-driven planning.
  • A PhD researcher needing an extra year would likely file an extension with progress letters and updated funding proof.
  • Undergraduates close to finishing might find the shorter F-1 grace period affects job search timing and the window to prepare for post-completion options.
• Exchange visitors:
  • Sponsors may need to adjust program lengths and renewals to match the four-year ceiling while keeping SEVIS current.
• Foreign journalists:
  • The 240-day start could work for short assignments, but longer beats would need early extension filings and clear documentation.
  • Editors will need to issue updated letters and plan for potential processing lags; even brief gaps can derail momentum on time-sensitive reporting.

What to watch next

The outcome will turn on the final text after DHS reviews comments. If the agency keeps fixed limits with strict extension rules, the core task for F, J, and I holders will be staying ahead of deadlines while maintaining spotless records. If DHS adjusts components—such as grace periods or transfer rules—some pain points could ease. Until then, the safest path is to prepare assuming a hard end date and to keep every document current.

Readers can follow official updates, including any final rule and effective date, through DHS announcements and the State Department’s visa pages:

• J-1 guidance and sponsor roles: U.S. Department of State — Exchange Visitor Program
• Filing mechanics for extensions: USCIS — Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status